A SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride - On Mowers u IMPORTANT : THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS , FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH , GENERAL OPERATION Ill . CHILDREN Read , understand , and follow all instructions in the manual Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the and on the machine before starting . presence of children . Children are often attracted to the Only allow responsible adults , who are familiar with the machine and the mowing activity . Never assume that instructions , to operate the machine . children will remain where you last saw them . Clear the area of objects such as rocks , toys , wire , etc . , Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful which could be picked up and thrown by the blade . care of another responsible adult . Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing . Stop Be alert and turn machine offif children enter the area . machine if anyone enters the area . Before and when backing , look behind and down for small Never carry passengers . children . Do not mow in reverse unress absolutely necessary . Always Never carry children . They may fall off and be seriously look down and behind before and while backing . injured or interfere with safe machine operation . Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point Never allow children to operate the machine . it at anyone . Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place . Use extra care when approaching blind corners , shrubs , trees , or other objects that may obscure vision . Slow down before turning . Never leave a running machine unattended . Always turn off IV . SERVICE blades , set parking brake , stop engine , and remove keys Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels , They are before dismounting . flammable and vapors are explosive , Turn off blades when not mowing . Use only an approved container , Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute . Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running . AIJow engine to cool before refueling . Do not Mow only in daylight or good artificial light . smoke . Do not operate the machine while under the influence of Never refuel the machine indoors . alcohol or drugs . Never store the machine or fuel container inside where Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways . there is an open flame , such as a water heater . Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into Never run a machine inside a closed area . a trailer or truck . Keep nuts and bolts , especially blade attachment bolts , tight and keep equipment in good condition . II . SLOPE OPERATION â¢ Never tamper with safety devices . Check their proper Slopes are a major factor related to loss - of - control and operation regularly . tipover accidents , which can result in severe injury or Keep machine free of grass , leaves , or other debris build - up . death . All slopes require extra caution . If you cannot back Clean oil or fuel spillage . Allow machine to cool before up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it , do not mow it , storing . Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object . DO : Repair , if necessary , before restarting . Mow up and down slopes , not across . Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running . Remove obstacles such as rocks , tree limbs , etc . â¢ Grasscatchercompenentsaresubjecttowear , damage , and Watch for holes , ruts , or bumps . Uneven terrain could deterioration , which could expose moving parts or allow overturn the machine . Tall grass can hide obstacles . objects to be thrown . Frequently check components and Use slow speed . Choose a low gear so that you will not have replace with manufacturer's recommended parts , when nec - to stop or shift while on the slope . essary . Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel Mower blades are sharp and can cut . Wrap the blade ( s ) or weights or counterweights to improve stability . wear gloves , and use extra caution when servicing them . Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments . â¢ Check brake operation frequently . Adjust and service as These can change the stability of the machine . required . Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction . safety precautions . It means Avoid starling or stopping on a slope . If tires lose traction , _ Look for this symbol to point out important CAUTION . H BECOME ALERTHf YOUR disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope . SAFETY IS INVOLVED . DO NOT : CAUTION : Always disconnect spark plug Do not turn on slopes unless necessary , and then , turn slowly wire and place wire where it can not contact and gradually downhill , if possible . spark plug in order to prevent accidental Do not mow near drep - offs , ditches , or embankments . The mOwer could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge starting when setting up , transporting , of a cliff or ditch , or if an edge caves in . adjusting or making repairs . Do not mow on wet grass . Reduced traction could cause sliding . WARNING = 0 = Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground . Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes . The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer , birth defects , or other reproduc - tive harm . 2 Page: 3

OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER ( See Fig . 9 ) â¢ Torestart movement , slowlyrelease parking brake and clutch , brakepedal . Your tractor isequipped withanoperatorpresencesensing switch . Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with Make all turnsslowly . the engine runningand the attachment clutch engaged will shut offthe engine . TO TRANSPORT Select desired height of cut . Raise attachment lift to highestpositionwith attach - ment liftcontrol Lower mower withattachment liftcontrol . When pushing Drtowing your tractor , be suregearshift Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch lever is in neutral ( N ) position . control . Do not push or tow tractor at more than five ( 5 ) MPH . TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control . NOTE : To protect hood from damage when transportingnd yourtractor onatruckoratrailer , besure hoodis closeda secured to tractor . Usean appropriate means of tying hood without either the entire grass catcher , to tractor ( rope , cord , etc . ) . ConAUmToIOwNe : rs Dsoo neoqtuoipppeeradt , e othrethmeodwiesr - charge guard in place , BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL ( See Fig . 15 ) " DISENGAGED " POSITION " ENGAGED " The engine inyour tractor hasbeen shipped , fromthe POSITION ATTACHMENT â¢ factory , already filled withsummer weightoil . / / " LIFT LEVER Check engine oil with tractor on level ground . _ . _ J ! _ HIGH POSITION Remove oil1i _ clap / dipstickandwipeclean , reinsertthe dipstick and screw cap tight , wait for a few seconds , remove and read oil level . If necessary , add oil until FULL mark on dipstick is reached . Do not overfill . For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting ( See OIL VISCOSITY CHART " in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual ) . â¢ To change engine oil , see the Customer Responsibili - ties section in this manual ADD GASOLINE Fill fuel tank . Use fresh , clean , regular eunleadeddts gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane . ( Use of leadosi gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide dep and reduce valve fife ) . DO not mix oil with gasoline . Purchase fuel inquantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness . IMPORTANT : WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW32 Â° F ( 0 Â° C ) , USE FRESH , CLEANWINTER GRADE FiG . 9 GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING . WARNING : Experience indicates that alcohol blended TO OPERATE ON HILLS fuels ( called gasohot or using ethanol or methanol ) can i attract moisture which leads to separation and formation eofl acids during storage . Acidic gas can damage the fu hills with slopes greater than 15 Â° and CAUTION : Do not drive up or down I system of an engine while in storage . To avoid engine do not drive across any slope . I problems , the fuel system should be emptied before stor - age of 30 days or longer . Drain the gas tank , start the Choose the slowestspeed before startingupor down engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetorarec - hills . empty . Use fresh fuel nextseason . See Storage Instru Avoid stoppingor changing speed on hills . tions for additional information . Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent If slowing is necessary , move throttle control lever to damage may occur . slower position . I If stepping is absolutely necessary , push clutch / brakeg CAUTION : Fill to bottom of gas tank I pedal quickly to brake position and engage parkin filler neck . Do not overfill . Wipe off any brake . spilled oil or fuel . Do not store , spill or Move gearshift lever to 1st gear . Be sure you have use gasoline near an open flame . I allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement . 13 Page: 14

OPERATION in the opposite direction making left hand turns until TO START ENGINE ( See Fig . 8 ) finished ( See Fig . 10 ) . When startingthe engine for the first time or if the engine If grass is extremely tall , it should be mowed twice to has run out of fuel , it will take extra crankingtime to move reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip - fuel from the tank to the engine . pings . Make first cut relatively high ; the second to the Sit onseat inoperatingposition , depress clutch / brake desired height . pedal and set parking brake . Do not mow grass when it is wet . Wet grass will plugto Place gear shift lever in neutral ( N ) position . mower and leave undesirable clumps . Allow grass Move attachment clutch to " DISENGAGED " position . dry before mowing . Move throttlecontrol to fast ( , re ) position Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing itos - Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt . assure better mowing performance and proper dlect - For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may charge of material . Regulate ground speed by se not be needed . ing a low enough gear to give the mower cutting Note : Before starting , read the warm and cold starting performance as well as the quality of cut desired . procedures below . When operating attachments , select a ground speed Insert keyinto ignitionandturn key clockwise to " START " that will suit the terrain and give best performance of position and release key as soon as engine starts . Doc - the attachment being used . not run starter continuously for more than fifteen asefter onds per minute . If the engine does not start several attempts , push choke control in , wait a pfewull minutes and try again . If engine still does not start , the choke control out and retry . WARM WEATHER STARTING ' ( 50 Â° F and above ) When engine starts , slowly push choke control in untils the engine begins to run smoothly . If the engine start to run roughly , pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in FIG . 10 slowly . The attachments and ground drive can now be used . If MULCHING M ( 3WING TIPS the engine does not accept the load , restart the enginee IMPORTANT : FOR BEST PERFORMANCE , KEEP and allow it to warm upfor one minute using the chok MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT - UP GRASS AND as described above . TRASH , CLEAN AFTER EACH USE . COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 Â° F and below ) â¢ The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip - When engine starts , slowly push choke control in huntil pings many times and reduce them in size so that as the engine begins to run smoothly . Continue to pus they fall onto the awn they w d sperse intothe grass the choke control in small steps allowing the engine toheun and not be noticed . Also , the mulched grass will . accept small changes in speed and load , until tr biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawned choke control is fully in . If the engine starts to Always mulch with your highest engine ( blade ) spe roughly , pull the choke control out slightly for a fewin as this will provide the best recutting action of the seconds and then continue to push the control blades . slowly . This may require an engine warm - up nperiodg Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet . Wet grass tendsn , from several seconds to several minutes , dependi to form clumps and interferes with the mulching actiooon . on the temperature . The best time to mow your lawn is the early aftern The attachments can be used during the engine warm - At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area up period and may require the choke control be pulled will not be exposed to the direct sun . out slightly . â¢ Forbest results , adjust the mower cutting height so thats NOTE ; if at a high altitude ( above 3000 feet ) or in cold the mower cuts off only the top one - third of the gras temperatures ( below 32 F ) the carburetor fuel mixture may blades ( See Fig . 11 ) . For extremelyheavy mu _ ching , need to be adjusted for best engine performance . See " nTOts reduce your width of cut and mow slowly . ADJUST CARBURETOR " in the Service and Adjustme Certain types of grass and grass conditions may re - section o ! this manual . quire that an area be mulched a second time to com - pletely hide the clippings . When doing a second cut , MOWING TIPS mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path . Tire chains can not be used when the mower housing is Change yourcuttingpatternfrom week to week . nMowheg attached to tractor . northtosouthoneweekthenchangeto eastto westtni Mower should be properly leveled for best mowingin nextweek . This willhelp prevent matting and grai performance . See " TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING " of the lawn . the Service and Adjustments section of this manual . The left hand side of mower should be used for trim - MAX I / 3 ming . Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the areahe that has been cut . Have the cut area to the right of t tractor . This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting , When mowing large areas , start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs , fences , driveways , etc . After one or two rounds , mow 14 FIG . 11 Page: 15

STORAGE Immediatelyprepare your tractor for storage at the end of ENGINE the season or if the tractorwill not be used for 30 days or more . FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT : IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUMEL CAUTION : Never store the tractor with DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FU gasoline in the tank inside a building SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR , FUEL FILTER , where fumes may reach an open flameol FUEL HOSE , OR TANK DURING STORAGE . ALSO , or spark . Allow the engine to co EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED before storing in any enclosure , FUELS ( CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL DORS METHANOL ) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEA TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURINGEL STORAGE . ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FU TRACTOR SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE . Remove mower from tractor for winter storage . When Drain the fuet tank . mower is to be stored for a period of time , clean it thor - â¢ Start the engine and let iz run until the fuel lines and oughly , remove all dirt , grease , leaves , etc . Store in a carburetor are empty . clean , dry area . Never use engineor carburetor cleaner products in the Clean entire tractor ( See = CLEANING " inthe Customer fuel tank or permanent damage may occur . Responsibilities section of this manual ) . â¢ Use fresh fuel next season . Inspect and replace belts , if necessary ( See belt re - NOTE : Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in placement instructions in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual ) . minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during stor - age . Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storageer Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities container , Always follow the mix ratio found on stabiliz section of this manual . container . Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding Be sure that all nuts , bolts and screws are securely stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor . Do fastened . Inspect moving parts for damage , breakage not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer . and wear . Replace if necessary . ENGINE OIL Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces ; sand lightly before painting . Drain oil ( with engine warm ) and replace with clean engine oil . ( See " ENGINE " in the Customer Responsibilities BATTERY section of this manual ) . Fully charge the battery for storage . CYLINDERS After a period of time in storage , battery may require recharging . â¢ Remove spark plug ( s ) . To help prevent corrosion and power leakage duringbeO Pour one ounce of oil throughspark plughole ( s ) into long periods of storage , battery cables shoulde " cylinder ( s ) . disconnected and battery cleaned thoroughly ( se T Turnignitionkey to " START " positionfor a fewseconds CLEAN BA'I - I'ERY AND TERMINALS " in the Cus - to distribute oil . tomer Responsibilities section of this manual ) . â¢ Replace with new spark plug ( s ) . After cleaning , leave cables disconnected and place cables where they cannot come in contact with battery terminals . OTHER Be sure battery drain tube is securely attached . â¢ Do notstore gasolinefrom one season to another . If battery is removed from tractor for storage , do not Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust . store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces . Rust and / or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems . If possible , store your tractor indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt . â¢ Cover your tractor with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture . Do not use plastic . Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your tractor to rust . IMPORTANT : NEVERCOVERTRACTOR WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM . 26 Page: 27

SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL , NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE . 15 Â° MAX . Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes ( not greater than 15 Â° ) , never across the face . Make turns gradu - ally to prevent tipping or loss of control . Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes . Page: 56